TheLight Issue 222 September 2018

Broomhedge looks to the future

‘Get up and walk’ - the Romania Team Michaela Johnston In USA with the Ulster Project Priesthill GB tribute Shirley’s 2018 Seymour Street Trip

THE MAGAZINE OF THE AND DROMORE METHODIST CIRCUIT Seymour Street Rev Mervyn Ewing 028 92662303 & 07801069806 [email protected] Contents: Shirley Carrington - 028 92607881 [email protected] 02 www.seymourstreet.org Editorial & Organ-ic 03 Trinity Rev David Turtle 028 92621282 All the Lonely People [email protected] 05 Rev Ken Todd 028 9669848 [email protected] Priesthill GB tribute Rev Jim Williamson 028 97560393 07 [email protected] Visit to Windsor Park Dromore 06 Rev Thomas Clarke [email protected] ‘Get up and walk’ 028 92651072 & 07771 918615 Rev Tom Deacon 13 028 38153071 & 07814 496659 Broomhedge looks to the future Priesthill 15 Rev Mervyn Ewing 028 92662303 & 07801069806 Jake and Joel on the Ulster Rev Tom Deacon 028 38153071 & 07814496659 Project Billy Bryson - 028 97532147 18 Magheragall & Broomhedge Castlerock CSSM Rev Thomas Clarke From the Registers [email protected] 028 92651072 & 07771 918615 19 Rev Jim Williamson Catherine Allen in EU Parliament 028 97560393 20 Cover Photo: 2018 Refresh team and children on Roseville Ordination of Rev Lou Monroe Green 21 Editor: Lindsay Easson Send material to: Shirley’s 2018 Trip [email protected] If you have material or photos for the next 23 edition of he Light please send them to the address above or give them to your church Seymour Street BB Awards representative by 2

You will note a few changes in the design of this issue of the Light. Printing technology is always moving on and so we can economise on costs by moving down to the more standard A5 page size, but keeping the same amount of material by increasing the number of pages from 16 or 20 to 20 or 24. We can now also adopt full colour printing throughout which will give the scope to incorporate more attractive design elements.

I make no apologies that this edition of the Light features the activities of young people on so many of the pages as it is great to see young people benefiting from the opportunities to put their faith into action in a wide range of contexts, and it is an encouragement for us all to read about it.

In know there are many others we could have heard from such as Anna and Andrew who have had such a great year on the TOM team and others who provided leadership at Castewellan Holiday week, and SU camps. Hopefully we can hear from more in future editions, and as Editor I am always happy to receive contributions from across the whole of our Circuit.

The Rev Ross Harte was to have written an article for this issue but due to the recurrence of the serious illness of their son Timothy this had been postponed. As this is being written the Harte family remain in Bristol where Timothy is being treated and our prayer is that the course of treatment will lead to a successful outcome and a healthy and happy future for him.

ORGAN-IC Seymour Street Saturday 6th October at 7.30

Roll up,roll up to a night to celebrate the installation of the newly refurbished organ in Seymour Street Methodist. For over a hundred years this fine instrument has supported worship in our wonderful church building. Come on Saturday 6th October at 7.30 to hear this newly revitalised instrument put through its paces for an evening of sacred and secular music. Enjoy a tasty supper whilst after listening to some of the best organ music, singing some of our finest hymns or enjoying the singing of our choirs. This will be a whole feast of musical delight. Seymour street now has arguably one of the finest instruments in the country. Bring your friends and celebrate together as we look forward to the next hundred years. 3 ‘ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE’ Rev Dr Edmund Mawhinney

These words are from a Beatles song and highlight it doesn’t exist can have a detrimental effect on the what has been variously described as ‘the most health of mind and body. Sometimes today when we devastating malady of the age’ and ‘one of the refer to keeping in contact it’s not real living contacts greatest problems of 21st century society’ and also an we’re referring to but impersonal links by means of issue which needs to be prominent on the church’s social media. Important and useful as these new pastoral agenda. means of communication are, sending a virtual ‘hug’ to someone who needs us is not quite the same as Loneliness is much more common than we may sitting face to face with the person listening and imagine. Most have felt it at some time, but few talk sharing experiences. about it. It isn’t only confined to those who live alone. It can affect those who are single, married, with or Loneliness can be experienced by without children, and people who have friends. The Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness set up by the the older person. Labour MP before she was brutally murdered in 2016 Loneliness among those who are growing older is concluded in its report that ‘each and every one of us’ increasing and society and the church always need needs to be aware of the problem. It is no respecter to be concerned about provision to ease it. of persons. Albert Einstein, a giant of science, once A sad picture of loneliness is that of the elderly person admitted: ‘It is strange to be known so universally and who has outlived contemporaries and been forgotten yet to be so lonely’. by relatives. The younger generation has moved Loneliness is a feeling of inner emptiness, which away from their area. The neighbourly structure of involves restlessness, a sense of isolation and a former days has disappeared. The elderly person desire to be wanted. Lonely people feel left out and becomes isolated, fearful of the present and the future, rejected, even when they are surrounded by others. and unable to cope with modern bureaucracy. It is not to be confused with solitude. Solitude is a Even when they are not ill or immobile, some elderly state of being geographically alone. Loneliness is a people can be made to feel that their ideas are old state of being spiritually alone. Wise people know fashioned and begin to feel that they are in the way. that solitude is good for us and that we need it at regular intervals. Thomas a Kempis wrote: ‘It is Loneliness can be experienced proper and beneficial sometimes to be left to thyself’. within families. Our concern is not with solitude, but with those who Young people can feel lonely at home. Parents too feel isolation and long for the companionship of other can feel that they can no longer communicate with people, even when they may be geographically close their children. The language and thoughts of both to others. Human contact is very important and where groups move on different levels. We speak of the 4 ‘I am with you and will keep you wherever you go’

Genesis 28:15 generation gap, and sometimes think it never cried out: ‘Is there any agony like mine?’ happened before until it happened to us. In the Bible Saul never understood Jonathan and David, although Loneliness can affect us all a fine king in many respects made a bit of a mess of Loneliness affects us in different situations and at bringing up Absalom. different times of our lives. Any one of a number of hard experiences in life can contribute to it. Some recent data suggests that young mothers might be the loneliest of all and a study by the Office for Within a framework of good pastoral care the church National Statistics found that nearly one in ten people can help ease a sense of loneliness by its provision under 24 say that they are often or always lonely. This of luncheon clubs, groups for young mothers and their is a higher figure than for those over 65. There is children and the fellowship found in many of our other evidence that increasing use and reliance on social groups like bowling clubs, fellowship groups and so media contributes to this loneliness. Some can on. The church should also try co- operating, where become dependent on the approval of contacts online possible, with others in the community to provide and feel lonely if they have to go for any length of time resources and opportunities for interaction between without a ‘like’. people and even having the foresight to see where there may be gaps in the provision. Within this network of family relationships we should not forget the possible loneliness of the divorced, the Not everyone will see the benefit of a spiritual deserted, the single person, the orphan, the single response to loneliness but for the person of faith a parent, those who feel excluded, and that caused by spiritual answer is very helpful. It is found in the unemployment, prolonged illness or death. presence of God and in the strength of Christian fellowship. Some of the great promises of the Bible Loneliness can be experienced by are those that assure us of God's presence. It was God who was with Joseph when he went down as a the leader and the prophet. lonely slave into Egypt; it was God who reached out Leadership of the country, the managing role in to Elijah in his black despair. Isaiah was reminded business, the principal’s position in a school, the head that when he passed through the waters, God would of an organisation, or leadership in the church can be be with Him. Joshua was reminded: ‘Don’t be afraid lonely positions. When you know that the buck stops or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you with you the summit can be a lonely place. wherever you go. From Jesus we have the greatest There are also times when it’s necessary to speak out of all the promises: ‘I will be with you always, even to or stand up for some right cause which may produce the end of the age’. These are not empty words but opposition and create a sense of isolation. promises which many have found to be true. Jeremiah was called by God to say unpopular things One lady who lived alone, suffered from arthritis, but about the political events of his time. He called down carried on a wide correspondence of encouragement on himself the fury of the establishment. He was a with others, said: ‘I am nearly always alone, but never sensitive man, and this hurt him deeply. Once he lonely’. She had learned to cope with loneliness and had found the heart of religious faith. 5 Priesthill Girls’ Brigade pays tribute to Alison Rutherford

The officers and Captain of Priesthill 99th Company

In March Priesthill Girls' Brigade paid of the company and Priesthill church tribute to retiring captain Mrs Alison council. Tributes were given by officer Rutherford at their annual display. Alison Denise Matthews and Chaplin Rev. has served as Captain for 11 years and Mervyn Ewing. has been a faithful member of the company since childhood. Alison has led Mrs Katherine Patton, a member of the in a quiet, diligent manner working company for many years and officer for tirelessly to make the programme at 5 years will replace Alison as Company Priesthill G.B. Christ centred and relevant Captain in the next G.B session. to the needs of the girls today. Her husband Glen has supported her by At an informal meal in May the officers offering his technical skills and (in presented Alison with a montage of addition to many) by providing delicious photos over her time in Girls' Brigade. suppers at the annual officers' planning Alison will be sadly missed however we meeting in their home. know she will continue to remain in contact and support the company as she The officers, many, lifelong friends will hands the reins over to Katherine. We, miss her dearly as she serves in pastures as a church will continue to support the new. Past members and two previous company and new captain in fulfilling the captains attended the display. Girls' Brigade motto: 'To seek, serve and Presentations were made by members follow Christ'. 6 Alison with new Captain Katherine Patton (1st left in red), Alison Rutherford, previous captains: Ann Brown (2nd from right) and Sylvia Adams (far right)

Alison Rutherford with her husband (Glen) and daughter, Rachel

Captain Alison Rutherford (left) with Explorer Leader Victoria McCready (right)

Informal meal with officers at the Belmont Hotel, and Photo Montage Presentation

Presentations from Margaret Stewart (left) and Denise Matthews (right), Alison (centre) 7 Seymour Street Men’s Outing to Windsor Park

Recently Seymour Street's Men's Fellowship group had a tour of the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park. The Stadium has 2 undergone a complete transformation in recent years and is now a fitting home for the much the interactive penalty shootout display International Men's and Women's teams and against Pat Jennings and learning about the well as home to the most successful team in local man that invented the penalty kick. domestic football in Ireland, North or South (Editor - Warning the writer is a Linfield fan!) Before heading out on the tour with our guide we watched a video presentation on Northern As part of the new Stadium the Irish Football Ireland's success throughout the years with Association as created an Education and focus of course on the recent stunning results Heritage Centre which tells the unique story against England, Spain, Sweden and the 2016 of Northern Irish football using a varied range Euros in France. of media, immersive physical interactives and key artefacts from the 1880s to the present The next part of the tour was around the day. The self-guided tour of the centre took stadium and we got access to all of the areas around an hour and includes many highlights such as player's changing rooms (did you including; The British Home Championship know that the Stadium has 2 sets of Home Trophy won in 1984, a set of turnstiles from Changing rooms for the and the old stadium, many artefacts and Linfield teams!), showers (including some very memorabilia from local and international cold looking ice baths), physio room, media games, and a model showing the centre which is named after Malcolm Brodie, development of the Stadium over the last the tunnel and of course the pitch. We were century. The younger (and some not so given the opportunity to try out the manager's young!) members of the group enjoyed very hot seat pitch side and to view the stadium from the media area at the top of the South Stand. We also got into the room where the team would have the press conference, and to ample the atmosphere from inside the VIP lounge. The tour of the stadium also lasted an hour and was made really enjoyable for both young and old by our guide who was fun, really knowledgeable and allowed to take photos in every part of the tour. The tour is now one of the highest rates 'Things to do in ' on TripAdvisor and is definitely to be recommended - even to the casual football fan. No men's outing is complete without a stop for ice-cream and coffee at the 'yellow arches' and a satisfied group is looking forward to the next event. GET UP AND WALK 8

Michaela Johnston shares the experiences of the Seymour Street Romania team this summer

It was an incredible tarpaulin for shelter, absolutely exhausting We ate awful food incredible emotional and learned how to experience for challenging cope under extreme each of us, and leadership. one which is We were pushed difficult to fully out of every comfort express in words zone but in those 24 alone but we Exciting hours we learned would love to be about strength and able to try and reliance - not only capture a little on each other but piece of it here. on God.

When we arrived Getting down to in Romania we work met with 3 other Our project was teams in Sutor, based in Cluj- all from Northern Napoc in Ireland, who had partnership with travelled to Romania to bless the people Tokoz Reformed Church. We ran a kids there in the name of Jesus. club each morning from 10am until 2pm with about 25 kids aged between 8 and 14. The experience of Base Camp We played games, sang songs together, In Sutor we learned about cultural worked on a bible and a memory verse differences, how to run kids clubs, what before having lunch together. home visits would be like and also worshipped together. We also experienced Home visits and practical work Bush Camp so that we could feel what it In the afternoons we spent our time doing would be like to walk to suffer injustice. We both home visits and practical work. All the experienced a snippet of what life would practical work we completed was within the be like for the persecuted church in grounds of the kindergarten which is Afghanistan by being stripped of all owned by the church and where we were luxuries, and left only with a sleeping staying. We cut grass, fixed equipment, bag,and basic supplies of wood and repaired, sanded and painted fences and 9

generally made the environment a much safer Spending time praying with people and and more pleasant place for children to spend ministering hope into their situation is a blessing their day. that runs much deeper than a physical gift could ever bring. Alongside this practical work, each day we would go out and visit people in their homes who Our personal journeys are known to the church as being in need. This No two people on our team journeyed the same was one of the most challenging but moving way. Each of us went on our own journey in experiences our team had, as we were brought Romania, it was emotional, challenging, into the lives and stories of people who now hold strengthening and life changing. We all had a massive place in our hearts. different highs and lows and we all learnt different things. Each of the 9 of us on the team Some stories were heart-warming others were saw God in many different ways and heard him heart-breaking but each and every one of them in a hundred different voices. Snapshots of was a story of someone who needed a little bit some team members are on the next page. For of love and whose life God at work in. It's hard me I couldn't possibly pick a best bit but I do to capture all the stories of the people we met know that Romania was a journey - an incredible and ministered to in a matter of words, but journey. It was a journey in which God taught examples are of people paralyzed, or displaced, me a lot about stories -and freedom. or had everything taken from them, carers of those with severe physical and mental illness, We were staying in a city, in an area in which the housebound, elderly and the lonely. the rich can get richer but the poor are stuck. This left very conflicting ideas in my head at It isn't difficult to see from that small insight how times. It's hard to imagine as you are walking much these visits mattered to people and even down a street and can see a massive shopping though we showed up at their doors with a food centre or beautiful government buildings, how parcel as a way to bless them, in actual fact it you are best being used with the people here? was our presence and more importantly the How could they possibly be in need? Shouldn't presence of God that was the real blessing. 10 11 we be with the poor people? Will God really my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and move in life changing ways? wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a But then when you walk up to the door of a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, person's house you are going to visit that day, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put you suddenly realise that just because they live oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on near a shopping centre, does not mean that they my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have can afford to shop there, does not mean they been forgiven-as her great love has shown. But have windows in their house, food in their whoever has been forgiven little loves little." cupboards, does not mean they aren't isolated Despite the preconceived ideas of this woman's from their community, does not mean God will story - God still moved! Despite my not move. preconceived ideas of Cluj - God still moved! We are very quick to judge someone else's story Everyone has a story, we have to own our own, from an outward appearance. We are told from accept other peoples - and watch God move! a young age to never judge a book by its cover, For nothing is impossible with Him. We find the but we all do it, even if we don't realise we are. richest blessings in being faithful to His calling God challenged me that everyone has a story. no matter what the story. Some peoples make better reading than others, I also learnt a lot about freedom. One of the some end happily, some not so much - but they houses I visited in Romania was the house of a belong to them, and they belong to God!! woman called Isobel When we first arrived we knocked and knocked the door but there was no

In Luke 7:36-50 we read the story of a woman answer. We knew someone was home because who washed Jesus' feet. This woman was we could hear them but we couldn't get inside. judged because of who she was; by her actions We left to visit another family and decided to try and status in society, by her story - but Jesus again on the way home. It was only then that I calls them out on their judgement. fully realised why there had been no answer before. The woman we came to visit was "Then he turned toward the woman and said to paralysed. She spent her days in bed, with no Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into access to the outside world. She relies on her your house. You did not give me any water for husband to answer the door and bring her the 12 things she needs. This has been her life for the was right there, all he had to do was trust past 13 years. Isobel was so pleased that we through the fear. had decided to try again, she had heard us at Isobel trusted Jesus voice, it didn't happen right the door before but had no way to let us in. away and her story is one that would break your Isolated from the outside world she longed for heart - but although she still is unable to us to come back and spend time with her. When physically walk she now walks in freedom. She we returned her husband who had been out would have had fear, had doubts, after all her shopping was home and able to open to door life totally changed the moment she stopped so we could actually spend time with her. being able to walk, and more so after numerous Although this woman was physically bound to other health implications, but her joy, her love, her room, her joy and peace emulated freedom. her peace shout praises of freedom over her Isobel taught me that you do not have to situation. She cannot leave her room, but she physically walk in is free in Jesus, she order to be free but just had to lay in actual fact she everything else down was freer in paralysis What it is in our lives that we and trust His voice. than I was in being need to leave behind in order to I was challenged by able to walk. pick up our mat and walk – what it is in my life, Things come walk in freedom? what it is in our lives relatively easy to us that we need to leave here in NI, but more behind in order to pick often than not, this up our mat and walk - binds us. We cannot embrace the fullness of walk in freedom! Leave your fear, leave your joy because we are constantly wrapped in doubt, trust His voice and walk! self-doubt, fear, ticking off one box to work on Romania was not only an incredible journey to another, we get caught up in the busyness of be on but to watch. As the team leader I got to life, the smallest of things are the biggest of watch every single member of our team fall in inconveniences - all of these are stealing our love with the person that God is calling them to joy and stealing our life! be. As they were pushed out of their comfort In a small one bedroomed apartment in zones and overcame every single challenge Romania, I was reminded of a story in John that they were faced with I was able to stand 5:1-18. A man is paralysed and waiting by a back and watch them own their stories; watch pool when Jesus appears and says "Get up! them fall into a reliance on God, seek Him in Pick up your mat and walk." - And the man every situation and step fully into a full, free life walks - freely! That's all he had to do. Not that they have been called into that can only be complete a checklist of things first, not qualify found in God. to be able to walk. All he had to do was trust "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ Jesus voice and walk. has become a new person. The old life is gone; When Jesus said those words to him, he is a new life has begun!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17 bound to have felt fear, bound to have doubted This summer we abandoned our ordinary - them but that's exactly it - those fears and and we will never be the same again! doubts about everything bound him! Freedom 13 Broomhedge looks to the future Lester Woods If you have driven past Broomhedege premises to build on this by linking the Youth Club work recently you may have had a bit of a shock to into see the life of the congregation. the hall porch knocked down and some heavy machinery at front and rear of the building. So One of the strengths of our Church is that we what's going on? have a faithful worshipping community and there is a We may be a small Church on the outskirts of strong supportive sense of fellowship within the the congregation. Our praise each Sunday is led by city of Lisburn, nevertheless it is important that Matthew Good. His enthusiastic approach has we have a purpose and focus. With been a breath of fresh air. Since Matthew joined encouragement from the Rev Thomas Clarke the us we now have new opportunities through a journey began early 2017 with the Church music led ministry. We have a praise time each Council week when we learn new praise pieces and our looking at the way forward and undertaking a annual Harvest and Christmas services are a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and highlight. Matthew has also been using the threats (SWOT)analysis. The Council looked at existing premises on a Wednesday afternoon to what we as a Church were currently, what we teach music. This is another way of developing could do better and what our vision was for the contact into the local community future. Following on from this our Congregational Meeting was held in April and several members Refurbishing the Hall of the Church Council made presentations. The Church Council recognised that to move Our Mission Statement: forward we needed to undertake a refurbishment " WELCOMING ALL of our Church Hall - mainly the porch area, toilet " WORSHIPPNG GOD facilities, store rooms and last but by no means " WITNESSING IN ACTION least the kitchen. The alternative to not doing this was presented to our congregation and was just not an option. The entire project is following costing just over £100k. We would wish to on from this Rev. Clarke outlined the vision for acknowledge the grant support from the the Church family and indeed the wider Methodist Church Development Board and Rank community in Broomhedge. Trust. A loan from the Property Board has also been approved. Without their support this A vision for the future project We may be comfortable as we are, however, would not be happening. Ideally we would have what wished to extend the premises at the rear of the about the future? The vision is to build on what 14 Plans for new activities welcome in our Church premises not only on a Sunday but at other activities also. One of the first things we want to explore is the introduction of a weekly Mothers & Toddlers The work is expected to be completed early Group. At a later date we may also look to October and a special service to dedicate the introduce a Luncheon Club, initially on a hall quarterly will take place on Saturday 20 October at 2.30 basis. pm. We are delighted that the President of the Fundraising will be necessary and a Coffee Methodist Church in Ireland, Rev Billy Davison Morning is planned for 24 November. Over the has weekend 10-12 May 2019 a Flower Festival will agreed to be with us on this special day. Our be annual harvest services will take place the held in our Church. Mrs Joan Lockhart and her following day when our guest speakers will be team of arrangers will portray the message of Rev Tom Deacon (am) and Rev Chris Skillen 'Encounters' as told through familiar walks in (pm). the We look forward to seeing you over this special Bible. It is also hoped to have a Tractor Run, weekend in the history of Broomhedge Methodist however, a date for this has yet to be finalised. Church.

A work in progress In concluding we have been challenged to reach Work is now well underway and we are excited beyond our Church and Circuit to tell others and to a degree slightly nervous. Broomhedge about itself is changing and Broomhedge Methodist our Church and what we do. Wouldn't it be fantastic if through our witness we could 15 Visiting the USA through the Ulster Project

Teenagers Joel Wiseman and Jake Grant from Seymour Street were able to spend a month is the USA this summer with the Ulster Project. Under the sponsorship of the various American Ulster Projects, a group of teenagers, (1/2 Catholic & 1/2 Protestant; 1/2 male & 1/2 female) from their paired Northern Irish communities, come to the United States for four weeks from the end of June to the end of July. The Northern Irish teens live with host families with a teen who are of the same gender. Teens and their hosts are matched by looking at common interests & hobbies. In the following year teenagers from the USA are hosted in Northern Ireland

This summer I We discussed our religion which was very Jake Grant writes: interesting and a real test of my grace as had an amazing experience I had with the there were strong opinions within the room. Ulster Project Arlington ,Texas. which has It was really good fun as we were able to changed my life forever. break down barriers and have a laugh or two about our different cultures and beliefs. After travelling for 22 hours I was excited to meet my host family and my teen Matt who We had volunteering days in the Arlington were all amazing. I was so hyper and tired community which were amazing. We sorted but we had so many questions to ask each through tons of onions and through cans of other. There were 32 teens that we were food at a food bank and also clothes and to spend every day together so you can household items. The onions were the imagine the bond we formed. Every day for worst. I helped at an the month of July animal shelter called had a packed Grand City Prairie paws schedule which was amazing and sad. I was even After the icebreaker interviewed on the residential we had American news. trips to Dallas, https://youtu.be/NQnZF8 museums and other jPZwQ Here we helped attractions. We with the caring of the attended church animals. services at both catholic and We spent a day with St protestant churches. Maria Goretti LIfe shelter. We had a very fun day The ‘Time of with these lovely families' discovery' groups lots of food, laughter, were when we had Joel Jake music and games. Spirit conversations about of hope was one of my ourselves and our favourite experiences home community. with the community. We 16 had the pleasure of spending the day with People have so much to give and unless you children whose families who unfortunately show people your love and give them your knew poverty. This day was heart breaking time it's difficult to receive. The Ulster Project - a realisation wake up day for me. We took showed me no matter what or who you are, the children to choose new shoes, we God loves you. I have made lifelong friends bought them some gifts, had lunch, went to both American and N Irish. I met some amusements and played crazy golf - great beautiful Christian families and look forward fun. to seeing them again. I was blessed to celebrate my 16th Birthday It was a lifetime experience which I'll never in America with a pool party and my 32 forget. One of which I have grown with God. friends around me. We had a family I will be using my team building experiences weekend and I was treated to a weekend in within my community as I grow. I've learned Golf Mexico and a Nasa experience. WOW! so much about myself. I want to thank all my My life has been changed, in ways I can't family, friends and church family who helped express in words I see people in a different me in my fundraising. It wouldn't have been way, I will always be a friend to my people. possible without you. I see the love and goodness in everyone.

This I was told about the Project by our very own Joel WIseman writes: Michael Croft, who has participated as both Summer I’ve had the greatest time of my life. a teen and a councillor over the years. I liked In July, I left Northern Ireland with 11 other what he told me and so I applied to be a part teens to live in Milwaukee, USA for a month of it. I found out on Christmas Day 2017 that as part of the Ulster Project. I’d been accepted - it was the best present ever. The first meeting to people in need with the with my team was Salvation Army and building probably the most stock-boxes for low income awkward I’d felt all year. seniors with Hunger Task However, over the weeks Force. We spent time in the leading up to the Project, community, doing car washes, we found that every one gardening small parks and of us was easy to talk to serving in a pizza shop for a and that we had loads in day. common with each other. We did a number of fund- I learned a lot spiritually about raisers together which peace, reconciliation and helped us form our team. unity, during our weekly Discovery sessions. Multi- On the morning I left, I cultural talks included ones by was so excited! Once I’d a Holocaust survivor’s son and hugged my parents and a Sikh who has partnered up got on the bus I never with a former white looked back. After an 18 supremacist to tell their stories across the hour journey from Belfast we arrived. It was world. It is so important in today’s society to daunting meeting my host teen, Xavier. I know about and appreciate other cultures. wasn’t sure if we would get on together or not. Luckily, the moment we came face to It wasn’t all work however! We had many face, we had an instant bond. We were even pool and lake parties and BBQ’s. We went voted the best matched teens! to a major league baseball game, visited Chicago for a day and even went to 6 Flags Xavier’s family, the Ganfield’s, consisted of amusement park! father Nate, mother Tawnya, older brother Ambrose and younger sisters Ashlyn and Leaving the Americans was by far the Lauren. Right from the get go I felt like I was hardest part of the trip. We had grown to adopted into family life as another son know one another so much that we were because of how I was warmly received. I am inseparable, almost like family. The US so thankful for their hospitality and the love organisers including our discovery leader they showed me over the month. were fantastic and did so much for us, I will never forget them. There were many tears Everyday was action packed. We went on a shed and letters exchanged. It was a 2 day retreat to Wisconsin Lutheran College. heartfelt but beautiful experience shared This helped us to get to know each other, with everyone. The legacy continues as and was a big highlight of the month. We plans are already afoot for the US teens to worked closely with many charities like come visit next summer. packing food bags and handing supplies out 18

Our time at Castlerock CSSM James & Laura Nelson

For decades now, hundreds of children and we serve there- meaning we could be free their 'eager-to-get-a-few-hours-peace' to serve on the team. parents have landed in Castlerock for two weeks in July. Why? For no other reason A highlight for me was watching my four- than Castlerock CSSM. year-old son be involved in CSSM for the first time. It is just incredible how a fun-filled This year was no different. More than 50 week of teaching the Gospel can have a leaders and nearly 300 children registered lasting effect on a tiny person. He is still for two weeks of CSSM. The theme this year singing the songs from the week and asking was "Who do you say I am?" The children how many days until it starts back again! and teenagers learnt about the different names of God through well-known stories in So, if you are reading this and you are both the Old and New Testament. James wondering whether to get involved in and I were involved in the first week only and something like CSSM as a leader, or you are we have some incredible memories and thinking of sending your own children- DO amazing stories of children's lives turning to IT! You have no idea the level of impact it Christ for the first time. can have on children's lives. There is nothing more beautiful than watching a child give This year it was somewhat more difficult for their life to Christ. us to be 100% involved- now with two small children in tow. However, being involved as And a BIG thank you to all who prayed and a family for some years now we are thankful supported the work of Castlerock CSSM, to the community of people around us when and Children's summer outreach more broadly.

From the Registers Magheragall Seymour Street BAPTISM Connor Ross Stewart 29 April BAPTISM Lyla Beth Haywood 29a Pine Cross DEATH Rev Austin Hassard 2 June DEATHS Mr Joe Haywood 134 Hilden Court Mr Reggie Johnston 62 Roseville Park Dromore Elizabeth (Linda) Hall 44 Beechdene DEATH Gardens Mr Cecil Gracey 12 June 19 Catherine Allen debates in the EU Parliament

which was very enlightening! We travelled to Dublin that evening where we visited the European Commission to learn more about the work of the European Union. By Tuesday afternoon we were flying out to Germany to stay the night in Frankfurt, before catching a bus across the border to Strasbourg, France. All of this travelling gave us a great chance to build friendships and also to consider the topic we were told we would be debating in the Parliament. My small group of four were given the topic of Youth Unemployment, so we began to brainstorm solutions to such a real and complex issue.

Strasbourg itself was a beautiful city and we I was blessed with the opportunity of a had the opportunity on the Wednesday to lifetime this past February as I got the explore its old town, which is home to a chance to travel to the European Parliament grand cathedral and picturesque little in Strasbourg and debate as part of Rotary’s streets. We also got to sample a local Youth Leadership Competition, which I specialty called ‘Flam’- although I wasn’t a heard about through school. During the fan! interview stages we were asked about everything from the qualities of a leader, the All of these opportunities to learn more work of Rotary International (thanks must go about leadership and make new friends to Tom Millar for sharing his Rotary quickly lead up to the main event, our knowledge with me) and our opinions on key Euroscola day. On the Thursday we set out issues in the European Union. I was chosen early (and in the snow!) to go to the to represent the Lisburn Rotary Club and impressive European Parliament building. progressed to the final interview, which was In the morning we had a session with French held in Navan, where I was delighted to be MEP Édouard Martin, where young people chosen as one of 24 young winners from from all over the EU had a chance to ask across Ireland. him questions about the issues important to them. After lunch we split into smaller The trip took us to four cities in four countries working groups, and here we had the in the space of five days - so it was a very opportunity, as a team of four, to discuss busy week! We met in Belfast on Sunday youth unemployment with other young 11th February and I quickly got to know the Europeans. I found this one of the most other young people in the group. The next interesting parts of the trip, as people from day we had the chance to tour City Hall and other countries have had very different Stormont and even ask some MLAs our experiences from me and it was fascinating questions about politics in Northern Ireland, to hear their thoughts and feelings on the topic. Our group from Ireland proposed an updated European job seeking system named Euremex, and 20 this idea was accepted by our working group through a majority vote. Later that afternoon, the spokesperson from our committee presented the proposal to the youth parliament as a whole in the mock plenary session we held, and I'm very proud to say that the idea was passed with a large majority!

After the excitement of our day in Parliament, we travelled home and tearfully said goodbye to each other. I can definitely say that my week with Rotary was one of the best of my life. I met many interesting and genuinely lovely young people from all across Ireland who I am now so happy to call my friends. The trip brought us so close together, and six months down the line we’ve kept in touch and have even had a couple of reunions! It was an amazing chance to develop my leadership, public speaking and teamwork skills, Strazburg Cathedral which I hope I can use to serve in my school and church. I'm very thankful to have had the opportunity through my school, the Rotary club of Lisburn and Rotary Ireland, and I am glad to have had the chance to use the skills God has blessed me with!

Rev Lou Monroe is Ordained The Ordination Service of the 2018 Methodist Conference took place on 17th August in St Colm’s Cathedral, Londonderry, the first Cathedral built after the reformation. Louise was ordained along with five other ‘Presbyters’. The President of the British Methodist Church, Rev Loraine Mellor, gave the address in which she emphasised how vital it was to stay close to God so that He

rd is the one who influences, moulds, Louise (3 from left) with the President Rev William directs and inspires every part of our Davidson and the other ordinands Darrin Thompson, Cheryl Patterson, Nigel Murphy, Katherine Keyhoe lives, helping us to break free from the and Amanda Durrell constraints of the world around us. Each of us is unique and the gifts God has given us and even our failings and weaknesses can be used to Him! Being ordained is challenging, but if we continuously ‘Get it’ (Loraine’s words!) through our personal devotion and Christian life in fellowship with others than we can ensure that we don’t burn out!

Congratulation are also due to Louise on her engagement in July to Andrew McKee from Newtownards! 21

Shirley’s Seymour Street Trip 2018

The Newby Bridge Hotel, on the edge of Lake Windermere was the base for the Seymour Street Summer tour this year. In May a bus load of Church members and other friends set off for a week in the English Lake District. The week was blessed with the most wonderful weather, beautiful scenery, delicious food and plenty of craic and banter! (not to forget to mention the impressive singing along the way to the sweet voice of Daniel O'Donnell!!).

The week included visits to Kendal, Keswick and Leven Hall - with its beautiful Topiary Gardens. We travelled by Steam Train from Haverthwaite to Windermere lakeside - sailing on Lake Windermere itself, with the most fabulous views aided by glorious sunshine, disembarking at Bowness. We stopped in Grasmere - of William Wordsworth fame - sadly 'a host of golden daffodils' were all gone, but the little village itself was picturesque. The bus took us on a tour up the famous 'Kirkstone Pass' and again because the weather was so good, the pass was beautiful to see and we also stopped off at Hutton-in-the-forest for lunch and a tour of the house and grounds.

The week included lots of things to see and do, we ate, laughed and sang most of the way around the area, but I think we all enjoyed every minute of it - and some even braved the swimming pool at the hotel. A great trip all round - Roll on next year!! 22 The Trip by David Haggerty May 2018 We are off again, hark, hear them shout, the Hah, he's having so much fun, A75, M6, he Shirley tours are driving out, thinks he is in the formula one! Out of the car park, out in the street, up to the Over Shap and down the hill, in awe of the M1 allor tres vite, mighty vista 'til Now, off to the harbour without a slip, so Another corner, the tightest squeeze but then where's that channel crossing ship? with that consummate ease We'll find it soon and then, afloat, topped up The hotel car park, we are here, our hotel, with tea and a bun Oh look out England Newby Bridge on Windermere. here we come, Seymour Street are on their way, this time for Off we go again, it's time to play, no good an extended stay. saying, I'm tired, not today, Valerie's Mum and Eddie they are already Five days, my life what has she done, I'm sure under way. she'll fill them full of fun Out on the bus, sorry, coach, at break of day, The Lake District, this say's it all, full of over the hills and far away. puddles Kendal, Keswick, train and boat, lots more tea large and small my teeth are afloat. Up and down the hills we'll swoop, shops David roaring round narrow roads, an aplenty and "cock-a-hoop" enormous garden centre, stately homes, Hand bags bulging purses dry, no one here is Grassemere church and Wordsworth's grave going to cry, more tea, Out in the sunshine, there'll be no rain, off Though just some coffee for Joan and me. back to the hotel again. Who do we thank for all that fun? Shirley, our Dinner and later we'll take a chance for maybe lady who is number one, a merry little dance. Lovely and bright as she can be but not alone, oh no, even she You just might think as you wave us off, Will, without reserve, tell of the sterling work, geriatric outing I hear you scoff, done so quietly, Well let me tell you without restraint, quiet and By her friend and mine, Violet, how lovely retiring this lot aint. We will see what there is to see, nothing Five days have these two ladies guided, missed and nothing saved, pushed and paid us through the Lakeland All full of life, but well behaved world Four times before have I been proud, to be a We have seen it, been there, bought it and member of this lovely crowd anointed it with tea And this time, I'm sure will be the same as we So, let me hear a great big cheer for this hard are welcomed in, working three, And then, invited back again. Shirley our leader, always happy as can be, Violet of the purses, oh how clever and The ocean with really not the slightest swell, generous was she. as flat as it could be, David of the formula one, I would ride again Probably this was just as well as we sat with with he! the first of many cups of tea. Castle Douglas and a quick stop for, guess Finally, let us give thanks to our generous what, T and P! LORD Now the fun will really start, oh be still my For sunshine to see, health and the gift of beating heart, perfect camaraderie., 23 2nd Lisburn Boys Brigade 2018 highest achievement awards and successes

During our prize night earlier in the year, some of our young men in the company section were presented with some of the highest awards within the Boys Brigade. These awards are the Queens award and Presidents award. For these boys to achieve these it must be mentioned that without the dedication from the leaders within cabin boys, anchor boys and junior sections over the years these young men would not have grown within their faith, showing leadership and progression in this area of their lives.

Sergeants Michael Kendrew-Jones , Patrick Lynn and Alistair Grant were presented with their Queens award by Rev.Winston Good (left). This consisted of these young men working hard with much dedication in their community, Church and Boys Brigade. They also gained 14 years + in service each. Outstanding performance.

President’s awards were also presented by Rev. Winston Good to Privates Joel Wiseman, Timothy Daly, Josh Grey, Adam Jordan, Reuben Sweeney and Jake Grant.

Our Company section had the pleasure entering a cricket competition within Belfast Battalion which was held at Lisburn Cricket Pavilion. It was a nail biting finish between 2nd Lisburn and 1st Granshaw, with Lisburn winning the final on the last bowl of the finial over. Well done to Joel, Reuben, Josh, Scott, Dan and Ben.